Wilmington

Want to get away for the day? Why not make the short trip to Wilmington for a little of that “city” flavor? Wilmington has history, the riverfront, shopping and more only 45 minutes north of Oak Island.

Historic Wilmington: Wilmington’s pride and joy is the Azalea Festival This celebration takes place around mid-April each year and is a weekend of artwork, gardens, history and culture. The garden tours are always a highlight with their Belles, in their traditional hoop skirts and parasols, guiding you during the celebration. The Belles include over 100 local young women serving as ambassadors to the city of Wilmington. Also part of the weekend are celebrities, concerts, parades and a triathlon.

If you happen to miss the Azalea Festival, don’t worry, there is still plenty of history year-round. The Battleship USS North Carolina is docked here and is open for exploration. During the Civil Ware, Wilmington was a major base for Confederate blockade runners. It was captured by the Union in 1865, after Fort Fisher. Fort Fisher is another exciting place to visit while you are in the area and is even closer to Oak Island. You can take the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher and see the area from a different perspective.

After long day of exploration, perhaps a carriage ride along the waterfront would make the day complete.

The Riverfront: Walk along the water and enjoy the many festivals held here on the waterfront. Most days you will be lucky enough to find a local art show or event happening along the Riverfront. Here, you shopping mavens will find special little boutiques and for the sportsman, try one of the many pubs stashed between the historic brick buildings. Hours of enjoyment await you here, no matter what your interests.

Explore Our Area

Interesting Fact: Wilmington is also known as a popular movie location. Not only were the TV shows Dawson’s Creek and one Tree Hill filmed here but also movies like The Crow and Blue Velvet.

Around Oak Island

• Southport

• Bald Head Island

• Wilmington

• Myrtle Beach

• Carolina Beach

• Kure Beach